Until Hornitos and Sauza tequila invited me to participate
in their Cinco De Mayo event ($20 including five drink tickets and all the food),
I had limited knowledge on the May 5th celebration other than it being
a festive day filled with sombreros, tacos and tequila – a party day not unlike
St. Patrick’s!
Aside from the parties, it’s seen as a day for participants
to embrace the Mexican culture and the delights they’ve gifted the world. It
wasn’t until educating myself on Wikipedia about Cinco De Mayo’s significance
that I discovered it’s really a holiday to commemorate the day General Ignacio
Zaragoza lead the Mexican army to win the Battle of Puebla. The army was poorly
equipped to fight against French forces, so when they experienced victory, the
day was used to symbolize unity and perseverance of the underdog. What a great representation!
Since the LCBO led event was my first time observing Cinco
De Mayo I didn’t know what to expect, other than being warned there’d be PLENTY
of tequila! We arrived early and were treated to delicious cocktails including
a guided DIY citrusy Paloma and a scrumptious professionally created mango
margarita.
The sit down Hornitos tequila tasting was eye opening: I sampled
the mixer friendly Plata, sipping quality Reposado and the Black Barrel, which
was oaky and fragrant – if you enjoy Scotch or whiskey this is the tequila with
the peatiness you’d enjoy.
Luckily, Valdez was also preparing a number of Latin eats to
balance the alcohol. The empanadas were a highlight, its crispy fluffy corn
meal crust stuffed with plenty of spiced minced beef studded with potato.
On every table were bowls of chips with creamy guacamole and
salsa, the typical tortilla chips expanded to include crispy plantain, yucca,
taro, corn and potato varieties.
It was difficult, but we nabbed the fragrant seared beef
skewers we saw circulating the restaurant. It was worth loitering around the
open kitchen, the sticks of meat flavourful, piping hot and juicy.
There were other eats: messy spicy hot chicken wings in a
slightly sweet BBQ sauce and salty chorizo tacos topped with peppers, onions,
goat cheese and chipotle mayo. All doing their magic to keep the tequila at
bay.
Little did I know this event would be my last chance to eat
at Valdez’s starter restaurant. Shortly after the event, the 606 King West
location was shuttered as the restaurant moves to a larger four-floor space
down the block. The food was good, I could definitely be convinced to return.
At the end of the evening, participants left with a loot bag
filled with Paloma mix (that I swiftly used that weekend), a comfy Hornitos
skull t-shirt, cool sphere ice cube molds, and a recipe booklet, all in a trusty
LCBO bottle separating carrier bag.
Thank you Hornitos and Sauza for introducing me the holiday’s
traditions. Until next year, Feliz Cinco De Mayo!
Disclaimer: I attended the event on a complimentary basis. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will provide an honest opinion.
How To Find Them
Location: Valdez in Toronto, Canada
Address: 606 King Street West
Address: 606 King Street West
Website: http://valdezrestaurant.com/
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